Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Whippet: Introduction
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet: Overview
- Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet
- The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet
- Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
- Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
- Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Whippet
- Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Whippet
- The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Whippet
- Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Whippet
- Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Whippets?
- Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet?
- Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
- Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Whippet
- Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet?
- Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Whippets?
- How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Whippets?
- Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Whippet?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Whippet: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet better suits you.
We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.
Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Pyrenean Shepherd and for the Whippet. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet: Overview
A very important difference between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Pyrenean Shepherd is a small-sized dog while the Whippet is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the Pyrenean Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.
On the other hand, the Whippet belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Pyrenean Shepherd to the Whippet based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.
When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets
Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.
However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.
Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet
| Factor | Pyrenean Shepherd | Whippet |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Life Span | 15 to 17 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Height | 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder | 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Weight | 25 to 30 pounds | 18 to 48 pounds |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 16.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1600 – $2600 |
| Average Price | No Data | $2120 |
| Temperament Score | 75.0 percent | 86.2 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 178 | 58 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Pyrenean Shepherd in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Whippet. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.
The Better-Pet score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Whippet is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Whippet is a better pet than the Pyrenean Shepherd. So, you should get the Whippet!
Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet
Below is a list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet are most different:
The Similarities Between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet
The Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet.
Pyrenean Shepherds weigh 25 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Pyrenean Shepherds are 15 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
On the other hand, Whippets weigh 18 to 48 pounds when fully grown. Whippets are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
The lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is between 15 to 17 years. The average lifespan of Pyrenean Shepherds is 16.0 years.
The lifespan of Whippets is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Whippets is 13.5 years.
Pyrenean Shepherds live longer than Whippets.
Temperament of the Pyrenean Shepherd Versus the Whippet
The Whippet has a better temperament than the Pyrenean Shepherd.
This is because the temperament score for the Whippet is 86.2 percent while the temperament score for the Pyrenean Shepherd is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).
The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.
Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.
The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.
With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Pyrenean Shepherd has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
With its temperament score of 86.2 percent, the Whippet has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet by measuring the temperaments of 4 Pyrenean Shepherds and 203 Whippets.
Adopting the Pyrenean Shepherd versus Adopting the Whippet
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Pyrenean Shepherds and many Whippets are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male Pyrenean Shepherd named Boone that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Pyrenean Shepherds like Boone on pefinder.com.
Also, like Pyrenean Shepherds, Whippets are also available for adoption. For example, Malcom is a Male Whippet that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Whippets like Malcom that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
You can find more Pyrenean Shepherds and Whippets that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Popularity of Whippet
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Whippet is more popular with dog owners than the Pyrenean Shepherd. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Whippet is 58 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Pyrenean Shepherd is 178 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Pyrenean Shepherd
Popularity of Whippet
| Year | Pyrenean Shepherd Popularity Rank | Whippet Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 169 | 59 |
| 2014 | 178 | 56 |
| 2015 | 176 | 57 |
| 2016 | 176 | 60 |
| 2017 | 180 | 61 |
| 2018 | 181 | 61 |
| 2019 | 182 | 57 |
| 2020 | 182 | 59 |
Health Problems of Pyrenean Shepherd versus Health Problems of Whippet
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Whippet is prone to the same number of genetic health problems as the Pyrenean Shepherd.
5 health tests are recommended for Pyrenean Shepherd while 5 tests are recommended for the Whippet.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and in Whippets.
Pyrenean Shepherd Health Problems
Pyrenean Shepherds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Pyrenean Shepherd puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Pyrenean Shepherd puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Pyrenean Shepherd breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Pyrenean Shepherds for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pyrenean Shepherds here.
Whippet Health Problems
Whippets are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Whippet puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Whippet puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Whippet breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Whippets for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Whippets here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Pyrenean Shepherds and Whippets
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Pyrenean Shepherd Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Pyrenean Shepherd ranks 24 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 79 Pyrenean Shepherds, 4 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pyrenean Shepherds, and how common these diseases are in Pyrenean Shepherds relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Whippet Breed is Advanced Cardiac problems.
This is because the Whippet ranks 3 out of 71 dog breeds for Advanced Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1416 Whippets, 107 of them had Advanced Cardiac problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Whippets, and how common these diseases are in Whippets relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Pyrenean Shepherd and in Whippet and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet:
| Disease | Pyrenean Shepherd Rank | Whippet Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Dentition Database problems | 24 out of 49 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 27 out of 159 dog breeds | 7 out of 159 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 44 out of 182 dog breeds | 162 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 71 out of 198 dog breeds | 191 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 72 out of 145 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | Not Common | 3 out of 71 dog breeds |
| Baer Hearing Test problems | Not Common | 17 out of 21 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | Not Common | 108 out of 115 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet
Pyrenean Shepherds do not like to be left alone.
Whippets do not like to be left alone.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds shed more than Whippets?
Pyrenean Shepherds shed moderately.
Whippets do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet
Pyrenean Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.
Whippets do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.
Whippets are very easy to groom.
Does the Pyrenean Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Whippets have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.
Do Pyrenean Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Whippets?
Pyrenean Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Whippets are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Whippets Tolerate Cold Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.
Whippets cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: Pyrenean Shepherd vs. Whippet
Pyrenean Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Whippets have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Pyrenean Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Whippets Tolerate Hot Weather?
Pyrenean Shepherds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Whippets can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds do not get along well with other dogs.
Whippets get along very well with other dogs.
Are Pyrenean Shepherds good family dogs? What about Whippets?
Pyrenean Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Whippets are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Pyrenean Shepherds and Whippets?
Pyrenean Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Whippets get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Easier to Train than the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not easy to train.
Whippets are very easy to train.
Is the Pyrenean Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds adapt very well to apartment living.
Whippets adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Pyrenean Shepherd or the Whippet?
Pyrenean Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Whippets are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Pyrenean Shepherd that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Pyrenean Shepherd:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Whippet
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Whippet that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Whippet:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Pyrenean Shepherd and how the Whippet compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Pyrenean Shepherd and of the Whippet to other breeds:
Pyrenean Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds
Pyrenean Shepherd versus Akbash Pyrenean Shepherd versus Affenpinscher Pyrenean Shepherd versus Coton de Tulear Pyrenean Shepherd versus Rhodesian Ridgeback Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shiloh Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus Dutch Shepherd Pyrenean Shepherd versus Great Dane Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bullmastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Finnish Lapphund Pyrenean Shepherd versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Border Collie Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus American Water Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Neapolitan Mastiff Pyrenean Shepherd versus Harrier Pyrenean Shepherd versus Afador Pyrenean Shepherd versus Korean Jindo Dog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Shihpoo Pyrenean Shepherd versus Mudi Pyrenean Shepherd versus Bergamasco Sheepdog Pyrenean Shepherd versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Pyrenean Shepherd versus Toy Poodle Pyrenean Shepherd versus Chinese Shar-Pei
Whippet Versus Other Dog Breeds
Whippet versus Miniature Pinscher Whippet versus Papipoo Whippet versus Labrador Retriever Whippet versus Yorkshire Terrier Whippet versus Cockapoo Whippet versus Giant Schnauzer Whippet versus Pyrenean Mastiff Whippet versus Australian Cattle Dog Whippet versus Berger Picard Whippet versus Catahoula Leopard Dog Whippet versus Pekingese Whippet versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle Whippet versus Chow Chow Whippet versus Scottish Deerhound Whippet versus Mal Shi Whippet versus Lakeland Terrier Whippet versus Pomapoo Whippet versus Great Pyrenees Whippet versus Cockapoo Whippet versus German Wirehaired Pointer Whippet versus Black Russian Terrier Whippet versus Yorkipoo Whippet versus Kooikerhondje Whippet versus Chinese Crested Whippet versus Flat-Coated Retriever
Conclusion: Pyrenean Shepherd versus Whippet. Which One is a Better Pet?
In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Pyrenean Shepherd and the Whippet better suits you and your family.